Nick Thomas-Symonds MP represented Torfaen in the Flag Raising Ceremony for Armed Forces Week 2025 in New Palace Yard, Palace of Westminster.
It marked the beginning of Armed Forces Week which celebrates the tremendous efforts of members of the Armed Forces in protecting our country. The celebrations begin on Monday 23rd and conclude on Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28th of June.
The ceremony was attended by MPs, members of the Armed Forces, as well as the Ukrainian Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov. There were speeches made by Air Commodore, Philip Wadlow, who serves as the Head Strategic Engagement in the Ministry of Defence, and the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon John Healey MP.
Armed Forces Week is marked across the country, including in Torfaen where a flag-raising ceremony took place at the Civic Centre in Pontypool, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces.
Torfaen Council is committed to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which encourages employers to align more with the National Armed Forces Covenant in employing more veterans. It offers bronze, silver and gold awards to employers who encompass the values upheld by the national covenant and advocate or demonstrate support for the Armed Forces.
In addition, there is also a voluntary-run Torfaen Community Covenant which encourages local communities to support members of the Armed Forces, and to remember the sacrifices faced by the Armed Forces community.
Following the flag raising ceremony, Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “It was a solemn privilege to represent Torfaen at the Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony in Parliament.
We’re incredibly proud of our Armed Forces community here in Torfaen, so during Armed Forces Week, it’s important to show our support and thank those who protect our nation.
I welcome the support that is made available to members of the Armed Forces, those who have served previously, and their families.”
Cllr Gaynor James, Torfaen Armed Forces Champion said: “It was an honour to speak at Torfaen Council’s Flag Raising Ceremony to mark Armed Forces Week.”
“Our Armed Forces community – both those currently serving and have served previously – have given so much to our country, and it’s incredibly important we provide them the support necessary.”
I’m proud to be the Armed Forces Champion for Torfaen, and will continue to work hard to ensure the Armed Forces community are supported across our Borough.”
